Governor Ivey Announces $3 Million in AmeriCorps State Program Investments

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (EETV) - Governor Kay Ivey announced Wednesday that the Governor’s Office of Volunteer Services has received $1,727,919 in funding from the Corporation for National and Community Service to administer eight Alabama AmeriCorps programs for 2017-2018. Combined with $1,320,805 in local match funds, the total investment for Alabama is 3,048,724.

AmeriCorps was established in 1993 as a way for Americans to give intensive service to their communities and country and earn money for college in return. The AmeriCorps grants support organizations that sponsor national service programs to tackle community needs in education, veterans and military families, economic opportunity, health, environmental stewardship, and disaster services. Grant funding covers some of the cost of operating the program, in addition to a small stipend for the AmeriCorps member, which is matched by the recipient organization.

“The spirit of volunteerism is one of the ways our country is strong,” Governor Ivey said. “The Governor’s Office of Volunteer Services provides a strong pathway and support for citizens who want to make a real difference in Alabama through serving in AmeriCorps. This grant funding allows Alabama AmeriCorps members to serve in our local communities.”

The 2017-2018 Alabama AmeriCorps Organization and State Programs include the following:

Butler County School System (AmeriCorps Instructional Support Team)

Birmingham City Schools (Birmingham Engaging in STEM AmeriCorps)

YWCA Central Alabama (Building Communities, Bettering Lives)

City of Selma (Selma AmeriCorps Program)

SAFE Family Service Center (Alabama Network of Family Resource Centers AmeriCorps)

The Governor’s Office of Volunteer Services will provide grants management, oversight, training and technical assistance for these programs.

“As the Governor’s lead agency for service and volunteerism in Alabama, we are proud to support these investments in communities across the state,” Governor’s Office of Volunteer Services Coordinator Lisa Castaldo said. “Through volunteering and serving, AmeriCorps members are exposed to community challenges and work to support opportunities for growth.”